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Menchetti L, Birolo M, Mugnai C, Mancinelli AC, Xiccato G, Trocino A, Castellini C. Effect of genotype and nutritional and environmental challenges on growth curve dynamics of broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:104095. [PMID: 39106696 PMCID: PMC11343059 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to compare the dynamics of growth of various chicken genotypes exposed to heat stress, low-input diets, and free-range farming by using Gompertz model to gain insights into their capabilities to face environmental and nutritional challenges. Three in vivo trials (T1: heat stress, T2: low-input diets, and T3: free-range system) were conducted, involving a total of 671 animals. Five chicken genotypes were employed in each trial: 2 Italian local breeds, Bionda Piemontese (BP) and Robusta Maculata (RM), along with their crossbreeds with Sasso hens (BP×SA and RM×SA), and a commercial hybrid (Ross 308). One-day-old male chicks were individually identified, and the 5 genotypes were randomly allocated to different challenging conditions: T1 involved 2 environmental temperatures (thermoneutral vs. high temperature); T2 involved 2 diets (standard vs. low-input); T3 involved 2 rearing systems (conventional vs. free-range). The chickens were weighed once a week from their arrival until slaughtering, and the data were used to build growth curves using the Gompertz model. Chickens from different genotypes were slaughtered at varying ages based on their maturity. In all trials, the challenging conditions significantly reduced adult body weight (A; -31.0%) and maximum growth rate (MGR; -25.6%) of Ross chickens. In contrast, in T1 and T2, no significant changes were observed in the main growth curve parameters of local breeds and crossbreeds, while under free-range conditions, there was even an increase in the A and MGR of these genotypes. The crossbreeding was effective in increasing A and MGR of BP (+30.5% in BP×SA), as well as in improving the precocity and MGR of RM (+19.5% in RM×SA). Our findings highlight the effectiveness of the Gompertz model as a tool for evaluating birds' adaptability and confirm the greater ability of local breeds and crossbreeds to adapt to different challenges. In conclusion, our methodological approach could be used to choose the genotype most suited to the environmental context and confirm the potential advantages of crossbreeding for enhancing resilience and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024 Matelica, Macerata, Italy
| | - Marco Birolo
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animal and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Mugnai
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco Torino, Italy
| | - Alice Cartoni Mancinelli
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gerolamo Xiccato
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animal and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Trocino
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animal and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy; Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
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Stefanetti V, Mancinelli AC, Pascucci L, Menchetti L, Castellini C, Mugnai C, Fiorilla E, Miniscalco B, Chiattelli D, Franciosini MP, Proietti PC. Effect of rearing systems on immune status, stress parameters, intestinal morphology, and mortality in conventional and local chicken breeds. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103110. [PMID: 37852051 PMCID: PMC10591014 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of poultry meat used to be sourced from intensively housed birds. However, consumer preference has since demanded poultry producers develop more sustainable farming systems. Although free-range farming is considered beneficial for animal welfare, it is not as easy to standardize as an intensive system, which makes the choice of bird genotype appear crucial for alternative systems. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of conventional and free-range rearing systems on the immune status, stress parameters, intestinal morphology and mortality in commercial hybrids (Ross 308) and local poultry strains, Bionda Piemontese (BP), Robusta Maculata (RM), BP x Sasso (BPxS), and RM x Sasso (RMxS). RNA was extracted from the jejunum and spleen to assess the mRNA expression of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). The heterophil:lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and intestinal histomorphometric evaluation were also calculated. We found that compared to the conventional system, the rearing system significantly affected the jejunum expression of IL-10, iNOS, IL-2, and IL-6, where these genes were upregulated in free-range system. A significant interaction between the rearing system and the genotype was also shown. More specifically, local breeds showed a significantly higher expression (P < 0.001) of IL-6 in the free-range system compared to the same genotypes in the conventional system. Moreover, IL-6 is constantly upregulated in local breeds within the free-range system compared to Ross hybrids. We also found significantly increased H/L and mortality rates in the latter, compared to the local breeds in the free-range reared system. The jejunum morphology also demonstrated a significantly higher villus height in BP and BPxS compared to the Ross hybrids. Overall, the results of our study confirm that the intense selection for growth in broiler chickens may have reduced their ability to react to the environmental stimuli related to free-range systems, resulting in a lower adaptability to a free-range environment, thus making them inappropriate for any farming system other than the conventional one. On the contrary, local chicken breeds are able to adapt and survive in the free-range system of rearing, and represent a genetic resource especially when adaptability to free-range conditions is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Cartoni Mancinelli
- Department of Agricultural, Environment and Food Science, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy
| | - Luisa Pascucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024 Matelica, Italy
| | - Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Environment and Food Science, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Mugnai
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy.
| | - Edoardo Fiorilla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Miniscalco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Diletta Chiattelli
- Department of Agricultural, Environment and Food Science, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy
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Cartoni Mancinelli A, Trocino A, Menchetti L, Chiattelli D, Ciarelli C, Castellini C. New approaches to selecting a scan-sampling method for chicken behavioral observations and their practical implications. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17177. [PMID: 37821498 PMCID: PMC10567684 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of the scan-sampling method, especially when a large amount of data is collected, has become widespread in behavioral studies. However, there are no specific guidelines regarding the choice of the sampling interval in different conditions. Thus, establishing a standard approach for video analysis represents an important step forward within the scientific community. In the present work, we hypothesized that the length of the sampling interval could influence the results of chicken behavioral study, for which we evaluated the reliability, accuracy, and validity of three different sampling intervals (10, 15 and 30 min). The Bland-Altman test was proposed as an innovative approach to compare sampling intervals and support researcher choices. Moreover, these sampling intervals were applied to compare the behavior of 4 chicken genotypes kept under free-range conditions. The Bland-Altman plots suggested that sampling intervals greater than 10 min lead to biases in the estimation of rare behaviors, such as "Attacking". In contrast, the 30-min sampling interval was able to detect differences among genotypes in high-occurrence behaviors, such as those associated with locomotory activity. Thus, from a practical viewpoint, when a broad characterization of chicken genotypes is required, the 30-min scan-sampling interval might be suggested as a good compromise between resources and results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cartoni Mancinelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Trocino
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animal and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via della Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica, Macerata, Italy.
| | - Diletta Chiattelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Ciarelli
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animal and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy
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Fiorilla E, Birolo M, Ala U, Xiccato G, Trocino A, Schiavone A, Mugnai C. Productive Performances of Slow-Growing Chicken Breeds and Their Crosses with a Commercial Strain in Conventional and Free-Range Farming Systems. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2540. [PMID: 37570348 PMCID: PMC10417706 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Local chicken breeds play a vital role in promoting sustainability by preserving genetic diversity, enhancing resilience, and supporting local economies. These breeds are adapted to local climates and conditions, requiring fewer external resources and inputs for their maintenance. By conserving and utilizing local chicken breeds, sustainable farming practices can be incentivized, maintaining ecosystem balance and ensuring food security for future generations. The present study aimed at evaluating the growth performance and slaughter traits of two local Italian chicken breeds (Bionda Piemontese and Robusta Maculata) and their crosses with a medium-growth genotype (Sasso chicken®) reared in conventional and free-range farming systems. The conventional system used a high-energy high-protein diet in a closed barn with controlled temperature, humidity, and lighting, and a stocking density of 33 kg/m2. The free-range system used a low-input diet (low-energy low-protein diet composed of local and GMO-free feed ingredients), uncontrolled environmental conditions, and a stocking density of 21 kg/m2 in a barn with free access to an outdoor area. The birds were slaughtered at 84 days of age in both systems. The crossbred chickens showed the best results for growth performance in both farming systems compared to local breeds. Within genotype, the final live weight of chickens was similar in the two farming systems. In conclusion, slow-growth crossbreeds should be used in alternative farming systems, demonstrating better performance than pure local breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Fiorilla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (U.A.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Marco Birolo
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Padova, Italy; (M.B.); (G.X.); (A.T.)
| | - Ugo Ala
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (U.A.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Gerolamo Xiccato
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Padova, Italy; (M.B.); (G.X.); (A.T.)
| | - Angela Trocino
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Padova, Italy; (M.B.); (G.X.); (A.T.)
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Padova, Italy
| | - Achille Schiavone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (U.A.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Cecilia Mugnai
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (U.A.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
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Mattioli S, Mancinelli AC, Dal Bosco A, Ciarelli C, Amato MG, Angelucci E, Chiattelli D, Castellini C. Intake of nutrients (polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocols, and carotenes) and storage efficiency in different slow-growing chickens genotypes reared in extensive systems. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275527. [PMID: 36318531 PMCID: PMC9624413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
An extensive rearing system (ERS) for poultry requires an outdoor run, which enhances the foraging activity of chickens. Slow-growing (SG) strains are more adapted to ERS than fast-growing (FG); and generally, have higher levels of bioactive compounds in their meat. The aim of this paper was to assess the storage efficiency of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), tocols and carotenes in the meat of seven commercial SG genotypes (SG1-7). One hundred SG chicks/strain of both sexes were included and their walking activity (High- or Low-W) was classified: SG1-4, HW comprised more than 10% of the time budget, and SG5-7, less than 10% (LW). Chickens were reared in pens (4 pens/strain) with indoor (0.10 m2/bird) and outdoor (4 m2/bird) areas, and they were fed the same diet ad libitum (starter feed for 1-21 d, grower feed from 22 d to slaughter at 81 d). The chickens were weighed weekly; feed consumption and grass intake were also estimated. At 81 days of age, 32 chickens/genotype were selected on the basis of the average weight (1:1, M:F) and slaughtered. The breast, thigh and drumstick meat were excised from 30 carcasses/genotype, sampled and stored at -20°C until analysis. Nutrients (e.g., n-3, n-6, carotenes and tocols) of feed, grass and meat were analyzed. The storage efficiency of nutrients was estimated as the ratio between the amount deposited in the body muscles (OUT) and the dietary intake (feed and grass, IN). The genotype affected chickens foraging behavior and the intake of nutrients. For SG1, SG2 and SG3, more than 50% of the intake of n-3 came from grass, whereas in the other genotypes, less than 20%. Accordingly, chickens that foraged more showed better meat nutritional profiles (less fat, more n-3 and antioxidants), which, in ERS, was ascribed to grass ingestion. However, the storage efficiency of nutrients into meat was inversely correlated with the grass intake: strains with higher grass intake (SG1, SG2, and SG3) had lower storage rates. Several hypotheses were proposed to explain these trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Mattioli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Alice Cartoni Mancinelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dal Bosco
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Ciarelli
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment–DAFNAE, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell’Università, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Monica Guarino Amato
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Livestock Production and Aquaculture, Roma, Italy
| | - Elisa Angelucci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Diletta Chiattelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Cartoni Mancinelli A, Mattioli S, Menchetti L, Dal Bosco A, Chiattelli D, Angelucci E, Castellini C. Validation of a behavior observation form for geese reared in agroforestry systems. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15152. [PMID: 36071073 PMCID: PMC9452672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Agroforestry systems, which are based on the integration of trees and animals, represent a useful practice for implementing the "One Welfare" concept. Geese could adapt well to these systems due to their kinetic and grazing abilities. However, the lack of specific ethograms and animal-based measures have not yet allowed a deep assessment of their welfare and behavior. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a protocol to evaluate the behavior of geese reared in two agroforestry systems (i.e., apple orchard and vineyard). Thus, a behavior observation form (BOF) including a specific ethogram was proposed, and its interobserver reliability, content, criterion and construct validity were determined. Moreover, the influence of the time of day and type of agroforestry system on geese's behavior was also investigated. Agreement and principal component analyses, as well as the comparison between data collected through direct observation by the BOF and indirect observation by a computerized system, supported the reliability and validity of the proposed protocol. While the BOF also highlighted differences in the behavior expressed by the geese according to the time of day and the environmental context, both the vineyard and apple orchard systems seem to meet their biological and behavioral needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cartoni Mancinelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Simona Mattioli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Menchetti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Dal Bosco
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Diletta Chiattelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Angelucci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy
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Adaptability Challenges for Organic Broiler Chickens: A Commentary. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111354. [PMID: 35681819 PMCID: PMC9179304 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Organic poultry shows an increasing productive trend, rising from 3% in 2017 to 8% in 2019. Regulation EU 848/2018 puts great emphasis on the ability of broilers to adapt to outdoor systems as being essential for organic production. Organic poultry operators meet with regulatory constraints, consumer concerns, and challenges in terms of nutrition, welfare, health, and sustainability. The present commentary considers recent studies on and innovations in these topics that can affect organic production in addition to recent studies on animal adaptability to this production system. It reflects on the concept of broiler adaptability to organic systems not only as a classic genotype–environment interaction but as a necessary prerequisite for facing these relevant challenges. Abstract As organic and conventional poultry production increased in the last decade, so did consumers’ concerns, sustainability requirements, and animal welfare as well as health issues. According to Reg. EU 848/2008 on organic production, poultry must be adapted to organic outdoor systems and cope with all the regulatory constraints in terms of nutrition, health, and welfare. Adaptability must take into account the above challenges, constraints, and concerns. Chicken adaptability should not only mean being able to use pasture and outdoor areas, but also mean being able to overcome, or be resilient to, the challenges of organic farming without compromising welfare, performance, and product quality. This commentary identifies solutions to the new challenges that organic poultry chains must face in future productive scenarios, detects consumer viewpoints to provide a perspective on organic poultry production, and summarizes as well as defines chicken adaptability to organic production, assessing the main factors of chicken adaptability.
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Poultry Meat and Eggs as an Alternative Source of n-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Human Nutrition. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091969. [PMID: 35565936 PMCID: PMC9099610 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effects of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) on human health are widely known. Humans are rather inefficient in synthesizing n-3 LC-PUFA; thus, these compounds should be supplemented in the diet. However, most Western human diets have unbalanced n-6/n-3 ratios resulting from eating habits and the fact that fish sources (rich in n-3 LC-PUFA) are not sufficient (worldwide deficit ~347,956 t/y) to meet the world requirements. In this context, it is necessary to find new and sustainable sources of n-3 LC-PUFA. Poultry products can provide humans n-3 LC-PUFA due to physiological characteristics and the wide consumption of meat and eggs. The present work aims to provide a general overview of the main strategies that should be adopted during rearing and postproduction to enrich and preserve n-3 LC-PUFA in poultry products. The strategies include dietary supplementation of α-Linolenic acid (ALA) or n-3 LC-PUFA, or enhancing n-3 LC-PUFA by improving the LA (Linoleic acid)/ALA ratio and antioxidant concentrations. Moreover, factors such as genotype, rearing system, transport, and cooking processes can impact the n-3 LC-PUFA in poultry products. The use of a multifactorial view in the entire production chain allows the relevant enrichment and preservation of n-3 LC-PUFA in poultry products.
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